Gurgaon under vector threat: 100 larvae breeding sites found

Health department officials said the recent spell of pre-monsoon rain has led to water stagnating in a lot of areas, leading to breeding of Aedes mosquito that causes diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.

As cases of mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise, the health department has stepped up inspections to curb the vector population. It found 100 larvae breeding sites across the city and issued warnings to residents for letting water stagnate on their premises.

Health department officials said the recent spell of pre-monsoon rain has led to water stagnating in a lot of areas, leading to breeding of Aedes mosquito that causes diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.

Officials said that they are continuing with the anti-larvae operations in these areas by mixing eucalyptus oil in stagnant water and will start breeding gambusia fish that feed on mosquito larvae.

“In many residences, stagnant water was found in pots, coolers and utensils. People were let off with warnings, provided they don’t let water stagnate henceforth,” Dr BK Bajora, chief medical officer (CMO) said.

Bajora said the health department has submitted a list of areas where the maximum number of patients with suspected mosquito-borne diseases are residing to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) for carrying out fumigation drives. He said the drives will be initiated once the first case of dengue is confirmed.

Last year, on the directions of the health department, the MCG had imposed a fine of Rs 500 to Rs 2,000 on people who allow water to stagnate on their residential premises. Health department officials confirmed that the fine will be in effect this year as well.

In 2016, the city witnessed a slight dip in mosquito-borne diseases — it recorded 38 cases of malaria and 401 cases of dengue. In 2015, there were 459 cases of dengue and 67 cases of malaria.